Federal Crimes of Investigation Office - scam phone call
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 3:05PM 
Funny story. Just as I was leaving to meet a friend for lunch today I got a call from a number I didn't recognize in Washington state - 206-259-6363. A man with an Indian (perhaps Pakistani) accent told me he was an officer from the Federal Crimes of Investigation Office and that I needed to give him all my personal information to verify my identity.
"I'm sorry, the federal what?" I asked
"The Federal Crimes of Investigation Office," he repeated, "And this is very serious, so you need to give me all of your information immediately or be arrested in the next 24 hours."
"Um, no."
"Ma'am, don't make this worse. I already have your social security number, xxx-xx-xxxx." (Which was actually my social security number.)
"Actually, you give me all your personal information and I will call back to verify you are who you say you are," I irritably demanded back."What is your badge number?"
"My badge number is 72."
"Your badge number is seventy-two?! Oh really. And what is your name?"
"My name is Officer Sam Smith. The Federal Crimes of Investigation Office is a division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"OK, Officer Sam Smith with badge number 72, I'll get back to you after I've had a word with the FBI."
I hung up on him. Then I dialed back the area code 206 number he called me from thinking it would be a spoofed number, and to my surprise, he answered the phone.
"Are you kidding me with this, you really think I'm falling for this?"
"Don't make this worse ma'am, you are in very big trouble, I have a signed affidavit here saying you are guilty of wire fraud and our state doesn't take that lightly."
"Oh really? Wire fraud, from your office in Washington state ... not Washington, D.C., correct?"
"Yes, and if you do not cooperate, I will next call your bank and freeze your assets and you won't be able to withdraw one penny."
"Well, I compliment you on your English, but go screw yourself," I replied as he hung up on me.
I then looked up the number for the local New York FBI office and was transferred to an officer who was very nice. The FBI agent said, "No, that is a scam, don't give him any information at all." I told him that's what I suspected, but that the man -- er, I'm sorry, Officer Sam Smith -- had my actual social security number. "Oh, well, you should call the Social Security Administration right away and let them know somebody has it."
The entire time I was on the phone, I received incoming calls from the number "911."
After giving the phone number and information, I hung up with the actual FBI and called back the fake FCIO 'officer.'
"I've just spoken with the FBI and reported everything you've done today, they say it's a scam."
"Ma'am, this is not a scam."
"And I don't have time for this, good luck with that."
Once I hung up he never called back. But, sigh, now I have to report that my social security number has been stolen to the credit bureaus, the SSA, and who knows who else.
At least lunch was really good.
For more on identitfy theft and other scams like this, the FBI has an information page here.
You can also submit an online tip to the FBI here if you've been victimized.
Reader Comments (118)
I received a phone voice mail today from "John Smith of the Tax Crime Investigation Unit of the IRS." He said, "the IRS has issued an arrest warrant against you and your physical property...........are under investigation. Call me at 202-241-4886. It is very important I hear from you today. Thank you."
Sounded fishy to me, so here I am. I called the FBI, who said I needed to report this to the Treasury Inspector General, as that agency investigates IRS scams. There are many hundreds if not thousands of IRS scams, intended to scare people into paying money to fix the problem.
If you've received an IRS scam call, report it to the the Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484.
Hope this helps.
I get these calls also. Every single day! They will cuss you out. I know this is a scam. I try to ignore it. But it is aggravating as hell. They call me from 8442444491. Bunch of foreign jerks.
They originally called from 202-241-8309 saying they were the FBI and to call them at 202-239-7034. We did not call them, but they are now calling on an "Out of Area" number. They've called 6 -8 times daily for a week so today I answered the phone and told them they had the wrong number. They called again and I got very rude with them using a lot of expletives and told them I was notifying law enforcement, They called a third time and I answered the phone saying I was a detective, they quickly hung up. Don't know if they'll call again, but they are persistent.
I got a voicemail from 202-241-7915 stating my property was under federal investigation. I called the number back being skeptical and a man with an Indian accent ask my name. I asked why didn't he have my name if I was under investigation. He then said wait a minute, and I received a missed call notification from 911. Then I asked him to tell me my name, since he knows only my phone number and he said Mr. Prado which was wrong. I told him he had the wrong person and he got very upset right before I hung up on him. I want to know if there is somewhere official to report this abuse.
On September 3, 2014, I received the same call from 202-697-9849. I was first told that the State Police were issuing an order for my arrest because I had not paid my state taxes, I almost laughed. I told him there was no such thing as State Police. He responded that they worked for the City. Then he said I needed to talk to his supervisor since I didn't know anything about the charges. After a brief pause another guy picked up the line and identified himself as being with the Federal Investigation Unit. When I told him no such Unit existed he said, Yes ma'am we are a division of the FBI. Then I could swear I could hear someone in the background laughing.
Maybe in some circles of teenage boys in India there is a script they follow and then have to improvise to gain entry into a secret society.
I would just feel bad if someone fell for their scam. Glad they didn't recite my social security number, but not happy that they had my full name and cell phone number.
Same type of call I got today from crime investigation officer Jonathan Drum. He asked me to call at 202-241-4450.
My caller ID shows that phone call was from Washington DC.
Just got one of these calls, from Office Mike Watson. Call back number is 202-241-6204. I reported it via the fbi website.
Second call came in a few hours later, this time from "Lisa Albert" from the same phone number. I reported it as well.
People do fall for this, otherwise they would've stopped by now. I do hope the FBI is investigating and nabs them soon!
Oh wow I just got this email.court summons and letter from an attorney . No addresses or court details. I've gotten several harassing phone calls in the last 3 weeks. All from Federal crime investigations department. The number is 202- 241-7359. When I call the numbers it's a rude Pakistan man. I can't believe how this is happening to so many people. It all started with a payday loan application. This is a abusive scam and nothing can be done about it. I know for a fact that it is a SCAM ! It's CRAZY !!!
Someone called me at 7:00am (9-15-2014) saying he was from the federal crime investigation division, with an american name (frank jones) and an indian accent telling me that they have a warrant for my arrest because they sent me 3 letters about me owing the IRS 2K in the last 10 years. The information that was provided to me was married and used form 941C and Schedule H was not correct. I asked for the superviors number which they provided and called that number back Number was valid and again american name (ray parker) with an indian accent basically telling me the same thing. I started to question what this was about and he hung up on me.
I received a call from Officer William Parker, also had an accent. He called my old phone number and my ex contacted me to let me hear it and saying I really needed to call. Duh. I googled and found all your comments - thank you! I did call the number he left and "Officer Roger Moore" had left a message don his voice mail. And, I've since blocked that number from calling my phone. Freaking jerks!
I received a call today from a Todd Johnson saying I need to take care of this matter now and pay via credit card. I told them I only paid with a money order and it would be thru the mail. I have received a call like this 6 months ago. They said we have sent you many letters and they have all been returned. I have lived in the same house for 9 years lol. I asked them to resend it and I wanted to know who I owed. He would not tell me nor send the original documents. The number was 202 417 3822 and said he was with crime fraud investigation unit. Scam all over it
Received similar call this morning 9/17/14. claimed he was from the federal crime investigation saying that my husband was going to be arrested within 24 hours if we didn't pay attention and listen to what he had to say. I told him I couldn't understand him because his accent was so heavy could I please speak to someone that could speak better English. he got all irate and said a few more things that I didn't understand and I then asked to speak to his superiors. He got even more irate and then hung up on us. I called the phone number back that he had called from and asked who I was speaking to and he told me that he was officer Jeff Anderson from the federal crime investigation department. Again I asked to speak to supervisor and he got all pissed off and I hung up on him telling him to learn how to speak English and bring it on. After that I looked up the name he gave and I found out it was all a big scam. Number he called from 2064959872
I received many of these messages. I answered when they called yesterday. I asked alot of questions about the reason for the call, and hr got very frustrated with me. He called me a bloody idiot and hung up the phone. So far, no calls today.
I just got the funniest call and knew right away that it had to be a scam, but I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced it. That's how I found this sight. My caller called from 202-241-7611 with a heavy middle eastern accent and said, "Your physical address is under investigation with the federal bureau. This is serious. You must not ignore this call, and you must return the phone call immediately. Have a blessed day." Really - the federal government is going to end a call with "Have a blessed day?" I laughed so hard and just wanted to share it!
I got the same call like Jennifer's post Oct 6, 2014 stated. Here's what 'Officer Sebastian' said: "Hi, this message is intended for Stephanie. This is Officer Sebastian Tader calling from the IRS Criminal Investigations building regarding a legal case filed under your name and social security number and your physical address is under federal investigation . Do not disregard this message and return the call.... I'll repeat the number 202-241-8511. Thank you and may god help you."
This woman had an accent that seemed like a cross between The Muppet's Swedish chef and a Pakistani woman. I did not call back and I reported it to the FBI.
Just outrageous! (I was very tempted to call back and sound like a perv. "Is this Officer Sebastian? I'm so glad you called. You sound hot! Tell me what you're wearing (with lots of heavy breathing in the background)".)
Thank you to all who have posted. I've shared this link on my FB site to warn all.
I received an urgent call from John @ the crime investigation department from the Internal Revenue, regarding my property and I needed to call back immediately - I did try to call several times and it is just a recording. I looked up the information on the Web and found this is a scam - so I am reported it. The number to John is 206-436-4749. Thanks for all the heads up.
Received phone call from heavy accent very scripted Middle Eastern man claining to be from Federal Bureau of Crime Investigation stating that they had tried to contact me several times by mail because of crinminal activiity I had committed. He said they were part fo the FBI and he wanted my contact information and lawyers info. I told him to give me the information and I would give to my lawyer. I asked for his supervisors name and number. Caller gave me 202-241-8382, supervisor was Brain McAllsiter. Such a scam
I Received 3 calls yesterday within 45 minutes of each other. 202-800-5679 - never answered the phone googled it this morning and read all these other posts. SInce I know the protocol, I will not be answering those calls!
Today a message was left on my phone from Jonathan Knight, badge no. 46719 @ 202-846-1140. Said he was a federal investegator for the IRS and that he had evidence of fraud, hiding income. When I called the no. back, a voice answered "Federal Bureau of Crime Investegation". He was definately Middle Eastern, but not as heavily accented as Jonathan, badge no. 46719.
The caller didn't call me by name or leave any instructions. I was glad to find these posts.
some foreign creep caled me today saying i had 3 hours to contact their office or an warrant will be issued for my detainment..this indian guy said he was from the federal department of investigations..i barely could understand him..i asked him what did they investigate and he asked me for my name..i told him you called me so you talk..he hung up..these indian people are in a monopoly of phone numbers trying to get you from multiple sources and different phone numbers..they may have as many as 1000 different numbers..i have filed a complaint with the fbi and still these creeps are scamming at will..i already was scammed out of 225 dollars by paypal..my own stupidity..everyone just be careful with any foreign person contacting you asking for information and money by way of paypal..paypal should be banned in the U.S. to stop them cold
Office Jonathan Knight,Badge No 46719, just called me today. From the Federal Crime Investion Unit of the IRS about some time of fraud we had engaged in, although he didn't ask for anyone by name. It was extremely urgent, and time sensitve, said Jonathan, with, again - a heavy Indian accent. I was screening my calls so I didn't pick up because I saw it was from a Washington DC number that I did not recognize. We got one of those calls last year, so I had already googled this, and knew it was a scam. The guy said we should call him back but he didn't even bother to leave a phone number on the answer machine. Annoying to say the least . . .
Office Jonathan Knight,Badge No 46719, just called me today. From the Federal Crime Investion Unit of the IRS about some time of fraud we had engaged in, although he didn't ask for anyone by name. It was extremely urgent, and time sensitve, said Jonathan, with, again - a heavy Indian accent. I was screening my calls so I didn't pick up because I saw it was from a Washington DC number that I did not recognize. We got one of those calls last year, so I had already googled this, and knew it was a scam. The guy said we should call him back but he didn't even bother to leave a phone number on the answer machine. Annoying to say the least . . .
Awful way to wake up on any morning with a phone call like this and as all of you described - obnoxious, arrogant and middle-eastern accent. Scared the crap outta me at first.
A Washington, D.C. number - 202-241-8806.
Just received my third call from this idiot named Johnathon Knight.... well as I have read all of the above comments I agree this guy is a scammer. Just another warning to every one out there that this guy is still at it!